PALM BEACH GARDENS | Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez has appointed Anthuanette Hidalgo as the new victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach. She replaces Lisa Linnell, who served six years in the position and 21 years total for the diocese before her retirement.
Hidalgo has more than 30 years of experience working with children, families and vulnerable populations, the bishop said, recently leaving a position as director of religious education at St. Joseph Parish in Stuart. She has partnered with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office’s Special Victims Unit and local nonprofits on the protection of minors, sexual exploitation and human trafficking, he said, and she has done work to help survivors of genocide and empowering women in Rwanda while working with Faith in Action International.
“She is bringing her many years of experience and her intense passion for helping others to her new role,” Bishop Rodríguez said. “As the victim assistance coordinator, Anthuanette will offer care to victims through crisis intervention, support during investigations, and help with understanding policies and procedures. She will receive reports from calls that may come through the diocesan hotline and will regularly update the bishop on how the victims are doing and the status of cases.”
Hidalgo said she is humbled and grateful for being entrusted with the position. “I want survivors to know that they will be met with compassion, respect, dignity and without judgment. I hope to listen to their stories, help them identify the support and resources they need, and accompany them with care and respect as they navigate a difficult journey,” she said.
Besides working at St. Joseph since 2023, Hidalgo served as an executive assistant and instructor at Casa Hogar “Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe” in Lima, Peru, from 2019-22; a community organizer in South Florida for Faith in Florida (2016-18); and director of social justice/religious education/youth ministry/pastoral associate at San Juan Diego Hispanic Pastoral Center in Fort Pierce (1993-2008). She is fluent in Spanish and English.
“I believe one of the greatest gifts I bring to this ministry is the ability to listen, to truly listen,” she said. “For more than three decades, I have had the privilege of serving individuals and families facing difficult and vulnerable circumstances, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.”
Hidalgo holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, minor in women’s studies from Florida Atlantic University, along with master’s in pastoral studies from Loyola University New Orleans, in legal research/minority rights from Middlesex University School of Law, London, and in international human rights from National University of Ireland, Galway. Hidalgo also is a doctoral candidate in international human rights law through Middlesex University School of Law.
“My pastoral formation has taught me the importance of compassionate presence, while my background in international human rights has deepened my understanding of human dignity,
justice, protection and accountability. Together, these have shaped the way I serve others,” she said.
Hidalgo said she has learned that while she can’t change what has happened to someone, “we can choose how we respond with compassion, respect and a willingness to listen. We can help people find the support they need and ensure that their voice and dignity are honored.
“I believe that listening to survivors can also help the Church continue to grow, strengthen prevention and create safer communities,” she said. “I hope to bring to this ministry compassion, integrity and a spirit of collaboration, while helping foster a culture of healing, protection and hope.”
In announcing her appointment, Bishop Rodríguez asked parishioners to keep Hidalgo in their prayers as she begins her new role.
